Your Gift Can Change A Life

Photo: group of studentsIdeally, all children grow up within a warm, loving and supportive family. As we know, not all children are so fortunate. Students in the Guardian Scholars Program have faced especially challenging circumstances with most facing a bleak future following emancipation. On the eve of their 18th birthday, many of these young people encounter a world filled with emotional uncertainty, a lack of physical and financial support, and the prospect of potential homelessness. Fortunately, Cal State Fullerton's Guardian Scholars Program has become a beacon of hope by providing funding and services in the form of housing, financial support and counseling while they pursue a college education.

You can play an integral role in a former foster youth's life. By giving from your heart - whether with time, talent or money- you can make the difference for a Guardian Scholar striving for a brighter future.

There are many ways for you to become a guardian partner: annual gifts, multi-year pledges and one-time funding of an endowment are just some of the ways you can financially assist these students. Click here for ways to make a gift.

In addition, scholar mentoring, student job placement and career assistance opportunities are available. Click here for information on volunteering.

How YOUR GIFT CAN HELP:

  • A $500 contribution can pay for books for two semesters

  • $1,000 supports the ongoing one-on-one counseling provided to each student

  • $1,500 Pays for a Guardian Scholar's books and supplies for one academic year

  • $2,900 will pay for one students summer school stipend

  • $3,000 Provides one student all fees and tuition for an academic year, which includes the summer session

  • $6,500 will pay for on-campus room and board for one scholar for two semesters

  • An annual gift of $8,000 supports one Guardian Scholar for one year.

  • A commitment of $40,000 either outright or over five years will provide one Guardian Scholar with a complete college education

  • A one-time gift of $160,000 will create a Guardian Scholar endowment in the donor's name and will provide a scholarship in perpetuity

  • In-kind contributions can also benefit the program Click here for information about gifts-in-kind.

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Ways to Make a Gift

MAKE A GIFT ONLINE

To make a gift using the campus' secure, online form, please click here.

MAKE A CASH GIFT

Checks can be made payable to:

Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation

And mailed to:

Cal State Fullerton
2600 E. Nutwood Avenue, Suite 850
Fullerton, CA 92831-3112
Attn: Guardian Scholars

Please note "Guardian Scholars" on the memo line of the check

More Ways of Giving

There are many ways to use your time, talent and treasure to the help the Guardian Scholars program, including

  • Making a gift of stock or securities

  • Planned Gifts and Bequests

  • Gifts-in-kind -- gifts such as gift certificates to local merchants, laptop computers, gift cards, school supplies and small household items can benefit the students in the program

  • Volunteering -- for example you could become a mentor, assist with job placement opportunities or host an event to help these young adults in their pursuit for a prosperous future

The Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation can accept gifts of stocks and securities, gifts-in-kind, or even a planned gift or bequest to benefit the Guardian Scholars program.

To receive information on additional ways to help to Guardian Scholars, please click here.

 

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Foster Youth Statistics

Photo:student

According to the Orangewood Children’s Foundation (2008), 31,569 cases of child abuse, neglect or abandonment were reported in Orange County, California in 2005. Each year, nearly 300 youth "age out" of the foster care system in Orange County. And approximately 40% of emancipated foster youth rely on some sort of public assistance.

On a national level, a devastating 25 to 50% of emancipated youth will become homeless.

According to the Orange County Grand Jury Report (2005/2006), only 23% graduate from high school or received a GED diploma. And only 2.3% earned a college degree.
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Program Synergy

THE POWER OF THE GUARDIAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The scholars' efforts to overcome life's difficulties and obtain a college education are being recognized and supported by donors, the University, funding agencies, and the community. These working partnerships create a unique environment where the use of funds and resources are maximized and a high level of financial synergy is achieved.

Together, we are investing in the scholars' journey toward a better life.

$8,000 Private funding = (partnership, synergy, leverage) = Total student benefit $32,000.

*Costs are based on 2007-2008 figures and are therefore subject to change.

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Program Expenses

bar graph$32,000 PER SCHOLAR PER YEAR

A) CAL STATE FULLERTON PROGRAM SUPPORT $10,000

The University employs a Program Director, Development Director, and support staff, provides an on-campus meeting/resource center, and pays administrative expenses.

B) HOUSING AND LIVING EXPENSES $12,000

The largest challenge for emancipated foster youth is finding housing.

C) EDUCATION $6,000

Tuition, books, school fees, and supplies

D) ADDITIONAL NEEDS $4,000

Extra curricular activities, health, and transportation

 

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Program Investment

bar graph

$32,000 PER SCHOLAR PER YEAR

A) CAL STATE FULLERTON PROGRAM SUPPORT $10,000

The Guardian Scholars staff creates a "sense of family" by encouraging, supporting, and nurturing scholars. With the use of the on-campus resource center, the staff has designed a meeting place where students study, relax, or come to seek advice.

B) FEDERAL AND STATE AID $8,000

Federal and State financial aid is available to the students through various financial aid programs.

C) FOUNDATION PARTNERS $6,000

The Orangewood Children’s Foundation and The Dhont Family Foundation, among other very generous foundation, provide significant annual support that contributes to the students’ educational expenses.

D) PRIVATE FUNDING $8,000

On an average, the portion of each student’s scholarship that is unfunded by the university, financial aid, and foundation is $8,000. Private financial support is how we make dreams come true.
Private financial support comes from individuals and corporations in the form of outright gifts, planned gifts, annual pledges, and endowment donations. In addition, individuals contribute time, guidance, and friendship.

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Thank You!

Thank you for considering supporting the Guardian Scholars at California State University, Fullerton. Should you choose to support the Guardian Scholars program, your assistance would provide more than a college education and would truly help provide a bright future for a deserving youth.

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